Davos's Non-Ranking of Tunisia is a Very Serious Warning, According to Hichem Elloumi
13 September 2012
Read by 1531 persons
The Utica strongly regretted the non-ranking of Tunisia in the 2012-2013 World Competitiveness Report published by the Davos Economic Forum. "This is a warning to be taken very seriously, which should concern us all, and require a significant recovery effort from all parties," estimates Hichem Elloumi, president of the economic commission of the employers' federation, in a statement to Leaders.
"Measuring the degree of competitiveness of countries," he continues, "that is to say, the attractiveness of foreign investment and the capacity to create value and employment, this index is important, especially for Tunisia during this crucial phase of democratic transition. As much as competitiveness is crucial for any company, it becomes crucial for the entire country, especially when we want to revive investment."
For Elloumi, the arguments of structural changes in the available indicators that can be compared, presented by the authors of the report to explain their decision to remove Tunisia from the world ranking this year, can be considered, but nevertheless cause frustrations. "We would have liked to know our real situation," he says, "even if it is bitter, sanctioning Tunisia with a demotion as some suggest, because we must face reality and confront the real problems that threaten us. This ranking recognized by all allows us to effectively measure the extent of the damage caused and also to specify all the effort we must all make if we want to regain our rank and improve it."
The president of the Utica's economic commission notes the observation of a general relaxation observed in the aftermath of the revolution, at all levels, leading to serious problems, particularly within businesses and the administration, and severely impacting the value of work and competitiveness. "This feeling is certainly widely shared," he says, "but does not seem to provoke a consistent awareness among our partners. If the Utica strives to fully play its role in reviving economic activity, assuming its responsibility in preserving businesses, maintaining jobs and mobilizing investment, it expects from the government and unions a stronger mobilization of support for this approach."
Hichem Elloumi deplores, indeed, that business and its competitiveness are not at the heart of the national debate in the country, whereas they are a source of income and a growth engine, a key factor for reviving development and reducing inequalities. The public space, he emphasizes, is much more occupied by various issues, some of which are important, but does not address the crucial questions that determine the life of Tunisians, namely the guarantee of work and income, to create prosperity and share it with everyone. Repositioning businesses at the top of the concerns of political leaders, the economic and financial community and social actors is now more than imperative, it is beneficial." In the same vein, he believes that it is not only necessary to improve competitiveness factors but also to refine their indicators and ensure their complete reliability to merit the confidence of analysts and investors.
"This strong warning from the Davos Economic Forum," concludes Hichem Elloumi, "must engage the government, unions and the Utica in a new collective dynamic of recovery and catch-up, by removing businesses from any politicization, guaranteeing them a climate conducive to their development and growth. The responsibility rests with all these stakeholders, because the risks that threaten us are very serious."
Espacemanager.com
Published on September 10, 2012.
Posted online on September 13, 2012.
"Measuring the degree of competitiveness of countries," he continues, "that is to say, the attractiveness of foreign investment and the capacity to create value and employment, this index is important, especially for Tunisia during this crucial phase of democratic transition. As much as competitiveness is crucial for any company, it becomes crucial for the entire country, especially when we want to revive investment."
For Elloumi, the arguments of structural changes in the available indicators that can be compared, presented by the authors of the report to explain their decision to remove Tunisia from the world ranking this year, can be considered, but nevertheless cause frustrations. "We would have liked to know our real situation," he says, "even if it is bitter, sanctioning Tunisia with a demotion as some suggest, because we must face reality and confront the real problems that threaten us. This ranking recognized by all allows us to effectively measure the extent of the damage caused and also to specify all the effort we must all make if we want to regain our rank and improve it."
The president of the Utica's economic commission notes the observation of a general relaxation observed in the aftermath of the revolution, at all levels, leading to serious problems, particularly within businesses and the administration, and severely impacting the value of work and competitiveness. "This feeling is certainly widely shared," he says, "but does not seem to provoke a consistent awareness among our partners. If the Utica strives to fully play its role in reviving economic activity, assuming its responsibility in preserving businesses, maintaining jobs and mobilizing investment, it expects from the government and unions a stronger mobilization of support for this approach."
Hichem Elloumi deplores, indeed, that business and its competitiveness are not at the heart of the national debate in the country, whereas they are a source of income and a growth engine, a key factor for reviving development and reducing inequalities. The public space, he emphasizes, is much more occupied by various issues, some of which are important, but does not address the crucial questions that determine the life of Tunisians, namely the guarantee of work and income, to create prosperity and share it with everyone. Repositioning businesses at the top of the concerns of political leaders, the economic and financial community and social actors is now more than imperative, it is beneficial." In the same vein, he believes that it is not only necessary to improve competitiveness factors but also to refine their indicators and ensure their complete reliability to merit the confidence of analysts and investors.
"This strong warning from the Davos Economic Forum," concludes Hichem Elloumi, "must engage the government, unions and the Utica in a new collective dynamic of recovery and catch-up, by removing businesses from any politicization, guaranteeing them a climate conducive to their development and growth. The responsibility rests with all these stakeholders, because the risks that threaten us are very serious."
Espacemanager.com
Published on September 10, 2012.
Posted online on September 13, 2012.
